When Writing is a Struggle

Dysgraphia is a neurological condition that creates barriers for a person to get their thoughts and translate them into the written word.

 

When I was in my teacher education program, I was required to attend a presentation of an MS Thesis. The lady spoke on dyslexia and how it is often linked to dysgraphia. In fact, three ‘dys’ labels are often diagnosed together.

 

Dyslexia

Dysgraphia

Dyscalculia (challenges learning math concepts)

 

From a brain concept, these are all right-brain challenges. They are common in right-brain learners. Autism and ADHD fall on the right-brain learner spectrum. Those on the spectrum often have these same challenges. It does NOT mean a child has autism just because they have dysgraphia.

 

My youngest was diagnosed with all three of these. I’ve shared what I did for the dyslexia. Today, I will share some activities I’ve used with him and other students who have problems with their handwriting.

 

Some signs that dysgraphia may be the underlying problem:

  • Spells poorly
  • Has messy handwriting
  • Has difficulty putting words on paper
  • Misuses punctuation and capitalization
  • Slow writing speed
  • Difficulty copying from the board.

 

First, make sure they are physically old enough to handle a writing instrument. I know in the schools we push early writing, but this is also a developmental issue. Children need to be able to do certain activities before they can write without a struggle.

 

In the series Calculadder, they have early writing activities. Some signs of being physically ready to write:

 

  • Upper body strength and shoulder stabilization (Crawling, wheelbarrow walking, climbing trees.)
  • Core strength: Are they able to control their limbs? (running, jumping, swimming, playing on playground equipment.)
  • Grip strength: Ability to hold a pencil. Sometimes it is best to begin with a larger-sized pencil. (Play with playdough, carrying buckets of water/sand, climbing/crawling.)
  • Bilateral movement: when we begin to write, we need each side of our body to perform different functions at the same time. (riding a bike, throwing/hitting a ball, crawling, skipping.)

 

There are other signs, but these are some common ones to watch for. Notice that physical play is one of the best things to do to help prepare a child for being ready for writing. Sadly, too many are on devices rather than running around outside and doing physical activities.

 

  • Do hand exercises before writing.
  • Use cursive rather than print.
  • Trace letters in sand or on sandpaper.
  • Use air writing.
  • Build letters with clay or pipe cleaners
  • Do cross-body exercises.
  • Practice writing the alphabet with the non-dominant hand.

    For accommodations perspective:

  • Learning to type rather than handwriting assignments.
  • Give oral responses. (I used this often with my youngest.)
  • Give printed notes.
  • Use highlighters for pinpointing important information.

 

Right-brain learners do well with hands-on/kinesthetic learning activities. They can often explain what they know orally much better than trying to write everything out.

 

These children can learn. They just need a different style of teaching. Some creativity can help us help our students with these challenges become the person God created them to be.

 

For more information, find me on my Skool page, Living Ready Collective.